- Region
- GA/TN, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- No permits are required to hike or backpac…
- Managed by
- United States Forest Service, Conasauga Ranger District
Plan with verified data
Cohutta Wilderness trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
Photos of Cohutta Wilderness
How to get there
Reach the trail system through parking areas around the wilderness perimeter. Choose the trailhead to match the route, then confirm access roads and current conditions with the Conasauga Ranger District at 706-695-6736. A Cohutta/Big Frog Wilderness map shows trails, topography, parking lots, and access roads. Winter gates affect Three Forks, Betty Gap, Chestnut Lead, and Tearbritches from January 1 through early March.
- Three Forks Trailhead
Perimeter trailhead providing foot access to the wilderness. Open early March through December 31; winter road gates prevent access to its parking area while the trails remain open from alternate trailheads. No camping in the parking lot.
- Betty Gap Trailhead
Wilderness access with seasonal parking access from early March through December 31. Use an alternate trailhead during winter road closures. No camping in the parking lot.
- Chestnut Lead Trailhead
Perimeter access point affected by annual winter road closures. Its parking area is open early March through December 31, while trails remain open year-round from other access points. No camping in the parking lot.
- Tearbritches Trailhead
Trailhead parking open early March through December 31. Winter gates close the road approach, not the associated trails, which must then be reached from alternate trailheads. No camping in the parking lot.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
GA/TN, USA · United States
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Mountain forest on the Georgia–Tennessee border
Cohutta Wilderness covers about 37,000 acres of mountainous country, mostly in Georgia with a smaller portion extending into Tennessee. Big Frog Wilderness borders its Tennessee side to the northeast. The landscape is defined by wooded slopes, rocky river gorges, and a network of 90 miles of hiking and backpacking trails. Two trails follow the Jacks and Conasauga Rivers; other footpaths give access from parking areas around the wilderness perimeter. This is largely a recovering forest: logging reached much of the area between 1915 and 1930, but oak, pine, and a varied mix of lower-elevation hardwoods have reclaimed the slopes. Expect a trip shaped more by forest, streams, and terrain than by continuous views. Some trails also allow horses, so hikers should be prepared to share those routes.
River travel and seasonal conditions
Water crossings are a central part of planning a Cohutta trip, not an occasional complication. Many trails require wading, and the 15.7-mile Jacks River Trail passes through water at least 40 times. Both the Jacks and Conasauga Rivers run through rocky gorges and can flash flood during heavy rain. Check rainfall and conditions before committing to a river route, and turn back rather than attempt an unsafe crossing. Spring and summer bring flowering plants, including flame azalea and lady's slippers. Summer also brings heat, high humidity, biting insects, and dense foliage that limits views; spring and fall offer more open sightlines. Black bears, copperheads, and timber rattlesnakes inhabit the area. Keep food secured, give wildlife space, and watch footing around rocks and vegetation. Carry drinking water and a treatment method; potable water is not available at the trailheads.
Access, overnight rules, and trip preparation
Trails are open year-round, but winter gates limit access to several perimeter parking areas. Three Forks, Betty Gap, Chestnut Lead, and Tearbritches trailheads are open from early March through December 31; their trails remain accessible from alternate trailheads during the winter road closures. Hiking and backpacking require no permits, and the trailhead site is free. Camping is prohibited in trailhead parking lots. The Beech Bottom/Jacks River Falls area is day-use only from April 1 through October 31, with campfires and alcohol prohibited year-round within the restricted area. Contact the Conasauga Ranger District for its boundary map. Check current alerts before departure, including the status of Rough Ridge Trail 12, Peavine Sheeds Road repairs, and hazardous trees along roads and trails. Carry a topographic trail map and leave a detailed itinerary with someone expecting your return: cell service is unpredictable.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Cohutta Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 34.9226, -84.5745
- Latitude (DMS)
- 34° 55′ 21.3″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 84° 34′ 28.3″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Cohutta Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Most of mountainous Cohutta, the state's second largest Wilderness, lies in Georgia and within the Cohutta Wildlife Management Area. But a small portion runs over the border into Tennessee. Immediately...
Key takeaways
- Region: GA/TN, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 34.923, -84.575
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Cohutta Wilderness
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Cohutta Wilderness
Wildlife guideBlack bearUrsus americanus
Big gameWhitetail DeerOdocoileus virginianus
GamefishLargemouth BassMicropterus nigricans
Wildlife guideNorth American beaverCastor canadensis
Big gameWild HogSus scrofa
GamefishRed DrumSciaenops ocellatus
Wildlife guideSnowshoe hareLepus americanus
Big gameBlack BearUrsus americanus
Mountain forest on the Georgia–Tennessee border
Cohutta Wilderness covers about 37,000 acres of mountainous country, mostly in Georgia with a smaller portion extending into Tennessee. Big Frog Wilderness borders its Tennessee side to the northeast. The landscape is defined by wooded slopes, rocky river gorges, and a network of 90 miles of hiking and backpacking trails. Two trails follow the Jacks and Conasauga Rivers; other footpaths give access from parking areas around the wilderness perimeter. This is largely a recovering forest: logging reached much of the area between 1915 and 1930, but oak, pine, and a varied mix of lower-elevation hardwoods have reclaimed the slopes. Expect a trip shaped more by forest, streams, and terrain than by continuous views. Some trails also allow horses, so hikers should be prepared to share those routes.
River travel and seasonal conditions
Water crossings are a central part of planning a Cohutta trip, not an occasional complication. Many trails require wading, and the 15.7-mile Jacks River Trail passes through water at least 40 times. Both the Jacks and Conasauga Rivers run through rocky gorges and can flash flood during heavy rain. Check rainfall and conditions before committing to a river route, and turn back rather than attempt an unsafe crossing. Spring and summer bring flowering plants, including flame azalea and lady's slippers. Summer also brings heat, high humidity, biting insects, and dense foliage that limits views; spring and fall offer more open sightlines. Black bears, copperheads, and timber rattlesnakes inhabit the area. Keep food secured, give wildlife space, and watch footing around rocks and vegetation. Carry drinking water and a treatment method; potable water is not available at the trailheads.
Access, overnight rules, and trip preparation
Trails are open year-round, but winter gates limit access to several perimeter parking areas. Three Forks, Betty Gap, Chestnut Lead, and Tearbritches trailheads are open from early March through December 31; their trails remain accessible from alternate trailheads during the winter road closures. Hiking and backpacking require no permits, and the trailhead site is free. Camping is prohibited in trailhead parking lots. The Beech Bottom/Jacks River Falls area is day-use only from April 1 through October 31, with campfires and alcohol prohibited year-round within the restricted area. Contact the Conasauga Ranger District for its boundary map. Check current alerts before departure, including the status of Rough Ridge Trail 12, Peavine Sheeds Road repairs, and hazardous trees along roads and trails. Carry a topographic trail map and leave a detailed itinerary with someone expecting your return: cell service is unpredictable.
Route options
- Jacks River Trail15.7 miles
River-following route with at least 40 water crossings. Plan around water levels and rainfall rather than mileage alone; heavy rain can cause flash flooding. Any itinerary entering the Beech Bottom/Jacks River Falls restricted area must account for its seasonal day-use restriction and year-round campfire and alcohol ban.
- Conasauga River trail
Follow the Conasauga River through Cohutta's wooded, rocky gorge country. River routes require careful attention to water conditions, and many wilderness trails involve wading. Avoid committing to the gorge during heavy rain because of flash-flood risk; use a trail map to select access and turnaround points.
Sample itineraries
- Conasauga River day hike · 1 day
Explore part of the trail following the Conasauga River, turning back according to water levels and available daylight. Use a wilderness map to choose perimeter access. Expect rocky gorge terrain and possible wading; avoid river travel during heavy rain.
- Jacks River overnight · 2 days
Plan a backpacking trip along a manageable portion of the Jacks River Trail. The full 15.7-mile trail has at least 40 water crossings. Choose legal camping outside the Beech Bottom/Jacks River Falls restricted area during its day-use-only season. Check water conditions and access before committing.
- Beech Bottom/Jacks River Falls day visit · 1 day
Plan a day visit using a wilderness map to select access and confirm the restricted-area boundary. The area is day use only April 1 through October 31, with campfires and alcohol prohibited year-round. Check trail alerts before departure.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; seasonal trailheads open early March
Flowering shrubs and woodland plants add interest, and views are less obscured than in summer. Heavy rain can cause river flash flooding. Three Forks, Betty Gap, Chestnut Lead and Tearbritches trailheads reopen in early March under the annual access schedule; confirm road conditions.
Summer
Summer
Expect heat, high humidity, biting insects and dense foliage that blocks some views. Flowers continue through summer. River routes demand careful water-level assessment, especially during heavy rain. Beech Bottom/Jacks River Falls is day use only throughout summer.
Fall
Fall
Views become less screened by foliage than in summer. River crossings still require caution after heavy rain. The Beech Bottom/Jacks River Falls day-use-only restriction continues through October 31; its campfire and alcohol bans remain in effect year-round.
Winter
Winter; parking closures January 1 through early March
Tearbritches, Chestnut Lead, Betty Gap and Three Forks parking areas become inaccessible during annual winter gate closures. Trails remain open from alternate trailheads, subject to specific trail closures. Plan access carefully and carry layers suited to mountain weather.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; seasonal trailheads open early March | Flowering shrubs and woodland plants add interest, and views are less obscured than in summer. Heavy rain can cause river flash flooding. Three Forks, Betty Gap, Chestnut Lead and Tearbritches trailheads reopen in early March under the annual access schedule; confirm road conditions. |
| Summer | Summer | Expect heat, high humidity, biting insects and dense foliage that blocks some views. Flowers continue through summer. River routes demand careful water-level assessment, especially during heavy rain. Beech Bottom/Jacks River Falls is day use only throughout summer. |
| Fall | Fall | Views become less screened by foliage than in summer. River crossings still require caution after heavy rain. The Beech Bottom/Jacks River Falls day-use-only restriction continues through October 31; its campfire and alcohol bans remain in effect year-round. |
| Winter | Winter; parking closures January 1 through early March | Tearbritches, Chestnut Lead, Betty Gap and Three Forks parking areas become inaccessible during annual winter gate closures. Trails remain open from alternate trailheads, subject to specific trail closures. Plan access carefully and carry layers suited to mountain weather. |
Permits, fees & closures
No permits are required to hike or backpack in Cohutta Wilderness. Camping is prohibited in trailhead parking lots. Beech Bottom/Jacks River Falls is day use only April 1–October 31, with year-round campfire and alcohol bans.
Fees: The Forest Service lists the trailhead site as free. A Cohutta/Big Frog Wilderness map is available for $5.
Official source: Cohutta Wilderness Trailheads - USDA Forest Service · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Heavy rain can produce flash flooding in the rocky gorges of the Conasauga and Jacks Rivers. Do not enter rising or unsafe water.
- Many trails require wading. The Jacks River Trail crosses water at least 40 times over 15.7 miles; assess every crossing rather than assuming it is passable.
- Cell service is unpredictable in this mountainous area. Leave a detailed route and expected return time with someone before departure.
- Summer brings heat, high humidity and biting insects. Adjust effort, carry water and use insect protection.
- Copperheads, timber rattlesnakes and black bears inhabit the wilderness. Watch foot placement, give wildlife space and secure food.
- Hazardous trees are flagged along trails and roads. Alerts also list Rough Ridge Trail 12 as closed and Peavine Sheeds Road closed for repairs; confirm current status before selecting access.
What to pack for Cohutta Wilderness
- Cohutta/Big Frog Wilderness topographic map
- Compass and offline navigation
- Detailed trip plan left with a reliable contact
- Headlamp
- Drinking water; potable water is not available at the trailhead site
- Water treatment for backcountry sources
- Secure footwear suitable for repeated wading
- Dry bags for clothing and sleeping gear
- Rain protection
- Layers appropriate to mountain weather
- Breathable clothing for humid summer hiking
- Insect repellent
- Shelter and sleeping system suited to the forecast
- Food storage appropriate for bear country
- First-aid kit
- Backpacking stove rather than reliance on campfires
Cohutta Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Cohutta Wilderness?
- Most of Cohutta lies in Georgia, with a smaller portion extending into Tennessee. Big Frog Wilderness borders its Tennessee portion to the northeast. The Forest Service manages Cohutta through the Conasauga Ranger District.
- How extensive is the trail system?
- The roughly 37,000-acre wilderness contains 90 miles of hiking and backpacking trails. Perimeter trailhead parking provides foot access. Routes follow both the Jacks and Conasauga Rivers, and some trails allow horses.
- Can the trails be accessed year-round?
- Trails generally remain open year-round, but winter gates block four trailhead parking areas from January 1 through early March. Alternate access is needed then. Specific trail and road closures can also affect plans; check Forest Service alerts.
- Can visitors camp near Jacks River Falls?
- The Beech Bottom/Jacks River Falls area is day use only April 1 through October 31. Campfires and alcohol are banned there year-round. Call the Conasauga Ranger District at 706-695-6736 for a map of the restricted area.
- Is the Jacks River Trail a straightforward walk?
- Not necessarily. Its 15.7 miles include at least 40 water crossings, making water levels central to trip planning. Heavy rain can cause flash flooding. Choose a shorter outing or another route when crossings are unsafe.
- Are bicycles allowed?
- Equipment used for mechanical transport, including bicycles, is generally prohibited in wilderness areas. Plan on foot travel, or confirm which trails permit horses.